It sounds like a flesh-eating animal to me, but the Salida Omnium was actually a three-day bike racing event.  I heard there were about 500 riders and $10,000 in prize money, with booty for winning each lap.  For example, two chickens or $25 - your choice.  Winners came from all over the state to earn competitive points.  Salida's Angela Damman won the 35+ category title.  She's also an executive at BBI, the bio-fuels education company headquartered in Salida with a heavy travel schedule.  Our South Central Racing team is highly competitive and the results show it! It was fun to listen to the whish of the wheels as the racers cornered the downtown route.  I raced once, but then realized I would never be 21 again! - Leslie